Royer Labs has announced its second-generation in-line signal booster, the dBooster2.
In addition to being a phantom powered signal booster and impedance buffer for ribbon and dynamic microphones, dBooster2 offers independent to-channel functionality and doubles as a DI box for electric guitar, bass and other unbalanced guitar level sources.
When used as a signal booster, both channels of the dBooster2 increase the level of passive low-output ribbon and dynamic microphones with minimum distortion and colouration. Created for professional applications, the dBooster2’s input stages are designed like the front end of a high-end microphone preamplifier. Each channel offers two levels of clean gain boost – 12dB or 20dB in Mic Mode, selectable by a front panel switch. The class-A input presents a high source impedance to microphones, minimising loading (damping) and improving headroom. The 12/20dB gain switch allows an optimum balance between gain and headroom to be set.
When used as a DI for unbalanced guitar level sources, dBooster2 provides either 0dB or 8dB of gain, selectable from the front panel. The single ended high-impedance (230kΩ) DI input maintains headroom and gain regardless of load. Regardless of whether the dBooster2 is functioning as a signal booster or DI, the unit’s balanced, low-impedance outputs provide the ability to drive digital interfaces or standard mic preamps. dBooster2 minimises signal loss over long cable runs.
dBooster2 is safe for use with all ribbon microphones, protecting the ribbons from phantom power hits, providing increased headroom at the preamp, and giving true electrical isolation – all while minimising mic loading. Each channel operates independently and is electrically isolated from the other. Further, this rugged, compact device can drive difficult loads such as mic splitters and vintage-style preamps without loss of gain or increased distortion.
‘The dBooster2’s circuitry is pure Royer, taking the in-line lifter concept to a whole new level of performance that you can really hear, and its two DIs are excellent for the loads of musicians/recorders who use DIs regularly,’ says Royer VP of Sales & Marketing, John Jennings. ‘I’m a big fan of the creative choices the dBooster2 opens up. It’s a simple looking device that’s very easy to use, but the design is first class all the way through and we’re proud to offer it to the recording community.’
The Royer Labs dBooster2 comes at an introductory street price of US$299 and will ship Q1 2022.
More: www.royerlabs.com
